Hike the Romsdalseggen ridge

The most beautiful hike in Norway! The trip across the Romsdalseggen ridge is to be found in the middle of the most stunning mountain area of Norway! Up on the ridge you have a fantastic viewing arena with views over the Romsdal mountains, with the Trollveggen wall, Romsdalshorn and Vengetindene as the most distinctive peaks. Along the ridge you can also look over to Kongen, Dronninga and Store Trolltind. You can gaze all the way to the town of Molde and the Norwegian Sea. Far down in the Romsdalen valley, the river Rauma twists through the valley, and we can get a glimpse of the train on the Rauma Railway.

The bus goes from the bus terminal in Åndalsnes at 09.30 and up the Vengedalen valley to the parking site where the hike starts.

This hike is 10 kilometers long, and the height difference is about 970 meter. It’s airy, but a breathtaking experience standing on top of the ridge. The path is well marked, and the surface is good. Some parts of the hike is exposed, and it feels scary to some people. You don’t need climbing equipment, but there are chains bolted in the steepest parts for a better grip. People with a mild degree of fear of heights will, with a good companion to lean on, manage to get through the toughest part of the hike. But you should not choose the normal route if you suffer from a solid fear of heights or lack sufficient hiking experience. You should choose a milder route option – alternatively start the hike from the opposite direction, from Åndalsnes town.

THE NORMAL ROUTE (5-8 hours, 10,3 km)Follow the road a short distance. The start of the trail is on your right hand side just before the bridge. Follow the marked trail up the hill. About halfway up the hillside you cross the river over a bridge, and the path continues on the left side of the river.

When the landscape flattens you can see the rear side of the Romsdalseggen ridge. The trail continues along the streamlet. This is the last chance to fill the drinking bottles with water, in case you don't carry any water. At Jamnåbotn the path divides. Turn left and follow the trail up the boulder in the slightly steep mountain side, to the top of the ridge. You will be rewarded with an amazing 360 degrees view.

Follow the path towards Åndalsnes. You basically walk on the ridge all the way back. It gets steeper through Halsaskaret. A short passage before you reach Mjølvafjellet consists of steep and rocky mountain walls to climb, but it is secured with chains in the most exposed parts. This part can be challenging for some. You should not suffer from a solid fear of heights on this route.

At Romsdalseggen rige the path has a good cover of vegetation. You will be walking on the top of the ridge, mostly fairly broad, and the path is good. Gentle descent from top of Mjølvafjellet to Nesaksla, then a steep descent down to Åndalsnes. From Nesaklsa you walk down the Romsdalstrappa, stone steps built by Sherpas from Nepal. Feel the air under your feet at Rampestreken viewpoint. Take your time on the last kilometer. This can be a tough one. Be prepared for a muddy and sometimes slippy experience, and aching knees.

ROMSDALSEGGEN VIA HØGNOSA - longer tour, but this is an option if you want to avoid the steepest, and most scary part of Romsdalseggen. This route starts from the same place as Normalruta, but you continue straight ahead towards Kaffikjelbua instead of following the steeper climb towards the top of the ridge. Practically you walk on the rear side of Romsdalseggen ridge for a while before the path turns to the left, steep upwards the hillside and connects with the Normalruta on top of the ridge. Romsdalseggen via Høgnosa is not an easier hike, the total length is more than 12 kilometers and the height difference is even more than the Normalruta. In some parts you will walk in scree. When walking in the scree it is important to keep looking for the cairns with red painted dots. You should always stick to the red-marked path. This route option is not more suitable for people with lack of mountain hiking experience, and not suitable for children under school age (under 10 years old). This is a physically tough hiking trip, and you should not embark on this trip unless you are in a good shape.

Bring a map and compass, and make sure you can use it, then you are able to navigate if the weather turns bad.

Children and dogsThis is a long and exhausting hike, it is not suitable for children younger than 10 years. Younger children should be used to hike longer distances and be steady when walking in rough mountain terrain. In the steepest parts the dog must be carried. The dog should be in a healthy condition and energic.

Remember to close gates behind you, and keep dogs on a leash.

RememberThe hiking trip over Romsdalseggen is not for everybody! Please take precautions: You should consider your own mountain hiking experience before you take the decision of hiking Romsdalseggen ridge. Children should be used to hike a longer distance in rough terrain. Romsdalseggen ridge hike is not suitable for pre-school children. Wear proper clothing, good hiking shoes and bring warm clothes and plenty to eat and drink before embarking on this long hike. Update yourself about the latest weatherforecast. In case of dense fog or low clouds, strong wind in combination with rain, low temperature, or if the weatherforecast says thunderstorms, choose another day for hiking Romsdalseggen!